Occupational Genetic Risk Assessment for Workers Exposed to Chemical Mutagens in Pharmaceutical Plants in Oyo State

Workers in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities may be occupationally exposed to chemical mutagens, including alkylating agents and reactive intermediates, posing genetic risks that require systematic assessment and management. In Oyo State, which hosts several pharmaceutical plants, occupational genetic risk monitoring remains an underdeveloped practice. This study conducted occupational genetic risk assessment among 150 workers exposed to identified chemical mutagens at three pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in Ibadan, Oyo State. A comparison group of 150 administrative workers from the same facilities without direct chemical exposure was enrolled. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were cultured for chromosomal aberration analysis and micronucleus assay as biomarkers of genotoxic exposure. Comet assay was applied to assess DNA strand breaks. Workplace air monitoring data and personal protective equipment compliance were documented. Exposed workers demonstrated significantly higher frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and micronucleated cells compared to controls. Years of employment and inadequate use of PPE were associated with greater DNA damage. These findings recommend mandatory biomonitoring programmes and enhanced occupational health policies at pharmaceutical plants in Oyo State. Keywords: occupational genetics, mutagen exposure, chromosomal aberration, pharmaceutical workers, Oyo State